Besides the range of craft ales on offer there are eight or nine ciders plus sparkling wine and - a first for this year - 16 gins which, again, include a good local selection.

“Gin is so trendy now so we thought we’d give it a go,” said Paddy.

“The idea was to call it a Jam Jar Gin Bar and serve the gin in jam jars.”

Over the years the festival has also built up a reputation for an eclectic packed music programme and Low Fell favourites Smoove &amp; Turrell paid a return visit to headline on Friday night.

It’s become a fast sell-out too and this year was no exception, with tickets for Saturday and Sunday quickly snapped up. By Friday morning just a few still remained for that day; traditionally quieter than the weekend.

The biggest event of the year in the club’s calendar, it raises funds to promote youth rugby in the area.

The club also hosts a family fun day in the summer and last year saw its first winter festival, which was forced by bad weather to make a last-minute transfer to an indoor venue.

As for this weekend, Paddy said: “The weather is supposed to be getting better.”

Even so, straw and rubber mats had been laid down over the grass and serving areas to help the damp conditons.

“I think people expect muddy ground but hopefully the straw will help a little bit,” he said. “But we’ll still get a lot of women in high heels.”